Do you have an artist that you've been following, but don't have room in your life for their work? Or maybe there's an artist in your life who you are looking to
support? Below are 12 ways that you can show up and show out just for them!
Free Options
Social media: If your artist is on social media, you have several options to support them--all of them FREE! You can like their posts and comment on them. Not only will this give them a boost in morale, it'll also boost them in the algorithm. You can share their posts (extremely coveted behavior--extra bonus stars!) and/or their account or page. All of this is super easy and takes less than 30 seconds.
Word of mouth: Ask your artist friend if they have any business cards. Pass them out to people and brag about them! Share their work with others! Maybe you even have a networking group that you meet with regularly. Introduce them or just let them know you know of a talented artist!
Host a show: If you own a business or know someone who does, ask if you can connect your artist friend or drop off their business cards so other people in the community can grab them. If the artist is a visual artist, offer to host a solo show for them and display their work for a month or two. If they're a musician, offer to host a small concert for them one night.
Compliment them: I always love it when folks compliment my work in person. I love hearing who my social media "lurkers" are and it gives me a huge morale boost to hear someone appreciates my work.
Sign up for their blog or email list: Seriously! It's a huge help! You can also forward the emails you get to other people and help spread the word.
Forward your artist new opportunities: I really appreciate it when people let me know of opportunities that are going on in the community. This includes any art shows, pop up shopping events, art competitions, calls for art, etc. Even just a, "Hey, I heard this in the news the other day and thought you might be interested!" If you know of any venues that host local artists, tipping your artist off is also helpful!
Web platforms: Let them know about any other web platforms that they could sell their work on. Chances are they've heard of Etsy. What else is out there? If you know of something or have had a good experience elsewhere, pass along the tip!
Offer any equipment or supplies you have lying around: Spring cleaning will be here before you know it. Are you looking to ditch some art supplies or junk around the house? One man's trash is another man's treasure. I'm serious! Depending on the artist, they might be interested in something you have. Alternatively, you can ask your artist what they need or are working with. You might just have something that you don't need/want, but they would love!
Paid Options
If you are looking to give your artist more than just a free boost and would like to help more substantially, here are a few ways to do so:
Tip jar: Some artists have "tip jars" on their websites or social media accounts for exactly this purpose. Don't be afraid to take advantage and drop a few dollars to show you appreciate their work! If they don't have any tip jars publicized, ask if they have Venmo, PayPal, or CashApp and send something that way.
Equipment and supplies: Ok, so you don't have anything lying around the house? You're just a minimalist queen/king? First of all, I'm insanely jealous. Secondly, that's OK! Get your artist a gift card to an art supply store (bonus points if it's locally owned!) or ask what equipment/supplies they need and get it for them. I can't tell you how much of a blessing it is to be bestowed something that you thought was out of your budget's reach for awhile.
Pay for some show fees: Look, doing the show circuit is hella expensive. Many art shows, pop ups, calls for art, etc. require a sign up fee (on top of any commissions, taxes, framing, displays, etc.). They can range anywhere from $35-$1500+ depending on the show (length of time, popularity, etc). Offer to pay or reimburse your artist for one.
Business costs: Offer to pay for some business cards, brochures, website fees, or anything else that has to do directly with the business side of things. Many artists are not so intuitive when it comes to entrepreneurship, so they might just welcome the help!
As you can see there are so many ways to support artists, especially in the connected world we live in. Many artists are just looking for opportunities to present their art work and get a platform/following. So, what are you going to do? Pick something and act on it today!
Can't think of an artist? I'll make it easy ;)
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